Fundamentals of Digital Audio Podcast Episode 29 - Microphones for first time buyers

Dynamics vs. Condensers

Omnidirectional vs Cardiod

A non-comprehensive list of microphones we have experience with or know to be well regarded:

Usb mics:
Plantronics usb headset approx. $35 US

Samson Q1U $49
Samson Co3U $129
Samson CO1U $80
Blue Snowball $99
MXL Usb 006 $130
Rode Podcaster $200

Usb mic shoot out at podsqod: hear 3 usb mics compared

Usb - no way to add voice processor, preamp, noise gate - a bit of a dead end but good way to get started on a low budget

Mics under $100
MXL 990 $59 at musiciansfriend.com
Shure SM58, SM57
Audio-Technica AT2020-M20 $99 at BSW

$130
Kel Audio HM-1 mic

$150
Shure 55sh
Shure Beta 57

$200
Rode NT1A
AKG C 1000 S
Rode Podcaster (usb)
Studio Projects C1
Audio-Technica AT3035 $199 BSW
Heil PR20 $199 BSW

$300 plus
Heil PR40
Electrovoice RE20 ($400)
Shure SMb ($350)